SINGAPORE: Ride-sharing and service platform inDrive said on Aug 28 that it has taken “corrective measures” – a day after Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling announced government action had been taken against the app.
inDrive allows users to offer their desired fare for a ride or service, and then find a driver or service provider willing to accept that offer. Sun had said the app “facilitates illegal ride-hailing activities”.
In its statement, inDrive Malaysia said that after identifying “isolated technical irregularities”, it reinforced geo-restrictions to prevent trips involving pickup or drop-off points within Singapore.
As an added precaution, said the platform, the inDrive app has also been restricted from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in Singapore.
inDrive Malaysia also said it does not operate or facilitate ride-hailing services originating or ending in Singapore, and does not support or enable cross-border trips between Singapore and Malaysia.
The firm added that its platform does not have a licence to allow point-to-point trips in Singapore, and users will not be able to perform rides that begin in Singapore.
It said: “We are in continuous dialogue with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to ensure transparency and alignment with Singapore’s regulatory framework.
“inDrive supports the development of a safe, transparent and well-regulated mobility ecosystem that upholds government policies while protecting the interests of both passengers and drivers.”
Sun said in a Facebook post on Aug 27 that LTA had acted after feedback was received, and that inDrive is no longer available for download in Singapore.
When users now attempt to request a trip with a Singapore location, a pop-up will show that inDrive is not available here, and the user cannot proceed, said Sun.
inDrive has been a topic of discussion for users in Singapore private-hire vehicle Facebook groups, including PHV Community and Professional PHV Drivers Singapore.
In the comments section of these posts, members urged one another to report the inDrive app to LTA, saying that many drivers were offering rides illegally.
Legal ride-hailing operators in Singapore are CDG Zig, Geolah, Gojek, Grab, Ryde, Tada and Trans-Cab, according to LTA’s website.
To offer taxi or private-hire car services here, all motorists must have a Public Service Vehicle Licence.
Malaysia-registered taxis must also have an Asean Public Service Vehicle Permit.
This comes as the Singapore authorities crack down on illegal ride-hailing activities, including drivers who offer such services within Singapore and across the border with Malaysia. - The Straits Times/ANN
